TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s stock market started the year on a positive note Friday, surpassing the 29,000-point mark and again setting new intraday and closing records.
The Taiwan Capitalization Weighted Stock Index (TAIEX) reached an intraday high of 29,363.43 points and closed at 29,349.81, up 386.21 points. Trading turnover increased to NT$648.8 billion (US$20.6 billion), compared with NT$536.1 billion in the previous session, according to CNA and CTEE.
TSMC closed up 2.26% at a record NT$1,585. Delta Electronics added 3.32% to NT$995, MediaTek rose 2.8% to NT$1,470, while Foxconn slipped 0.65% to NT$232.
The memory sector, with many companies among the TAIEX’s top gainers last year, maintained its momentum on expectations of supply constraints. Winbond Electronics closed at the daily price limit at NT$90.8, recording the session’s second-highest trading volume of 410,000 lots, or 410 million shares.
Etron Technology and Elite Semiconductor Microelectronics Technology also reached their limit-up prices at NT$55.8 and NT$129.5, respectively. Nanya Technology closed up 7.25% at NT$207.
Display sector stocks showed continued strength, with Innolux rising 6.16% to NT$18.1. It gained more than 34% over the past four trading days, supported by international orders for fan-out panel-level packaging, an advanced technology that improves material efficiency and allows more chips to be packaged simultaneously, according to Business Next.
Photonics and optoelectronics stocks also performed well. LandMark Optoelectronics increased 4.4% to NT$640, Browave gained 5.02% to NT$418.5, while Elite Advanced Laser and LuxNet rose 1.11% and 0.61%, respectively.
Institutional investors highlighted a series of recent developments that have supported the market, including reports of Chinese companies ordering over 2 million Nvidia H200 chips, the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show, and scheduled investor briefings from Largan Precision and TSMC on Jan. 8 and 15. Analysts said these events contribute to optimism and create favorable conditions for testing new highs, according to CTEE.
Market structure analysis shows that large-cap stocks continue to provide steady support, while high-priced shares and leading sectors are drawing capital back into the market. Analysts noted that the first trading day of the year often sets the tone, and Friday’s performance reflects investor confidence in Taiwan’s market fundamentals and capital environment in 2026.
Foreign investors have begun the year as net buyers, focusing on major technology names such as TSMC. Analysts expect that net purchases could increase further as foreign funds return more fully next week.
Electronics stocks now account for nearly 80% of market turnover. Following the breach of the 29,000-point level, the index has potential to approach the 30,000-point milestone.
Local investment trusts have recently registered small net sales, which the market attributes to seasonal portfolio adjustments. With continued capital inflows and the January effect, analysts expect these funds may resume net buying, supporting positive momentum into the Lunar New Year.
This information is not intended as personalized financial advice. Investors are encouraged to conduct their own research and analysis before making investment decisions.
